Modeling the velocity profiles in Vanadium Redox flow batteries-Serpentine flow field

Abstract

            Simulations are performed to study the effect of performance parameters on the velocity profiles in a vanadium redox flow battery. The effect of flow rate, viscosity, porosity, electrode thickness, and effect of channel height on the velocity profile in a vanadium redox flow battery are studied. Quantitative analysis of velocity profiles at the mid height of channel, at the channel-electrode interface and mid height of electrode thickness is done.  The channel height, thickness and porosity are found to have a substantial effect on the velocity profiles across the battery. It was found that the velocity in the electrode-channel interface is about 3 orders of magnitude lower than velocity in the channels.